How Can I Make Fabric Paint Not Be Stiff?

Written by daniel scott| 13/05/2017

Painting on clothing can leave it stiff and uncomfortable. (Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images)

Painting on fabric is easy to do with acrylic paints. Sometimes fabric painting can leave the fabric stiff, and this makes the painted fabric item less appealing. There are a few ways to get around this problem, however. One of the biggest preventive methods is to use care in selecting fabric paint. Some fabric paints are known for leaving a stiff effect, while others specialise in softness.

Mix acrylic paint with Golden fabric medium according to directions included with the medium.

Apply the paint to fabric.

Allow fabric and paint to dry thoroughly.

Place protective towel or other surface over ironing board.

Turn the fabric over and iron from the back side to set paint and soften in one step.

Purchase SoSoft or Jacquard fabric paint.

Apply paint as desired.

Set Jacquard paint by ironing from the back, as in use of Golden acrylic medium. SoSoft does not need to be heat set.

Allow the sodium alginate to set and thicken the dye to the desired thickness for painting.

Paint using the thickened dye. No heat set needed.

Tip

Some fabric paint will stick to the usual cardboard form used for decorating T-shirts. This can be prevented by using a non-stick surface, such as foil or plastic, between the fabric and the cardboard.

Warning

Protect work surfaces from fabric paint and dyes. These substances can be difficult to remove.

Tips and warnings

Some fabric paint will stick to the usual cardboard form used for decorating T-shirts. This can be prevented by using a non-stick surface, such as foil or plastic, between the fabric and the cardboard.

Protect work surfaces from fabric paint and dyes. These substances can be difficult to remove.